Marathon County winter recreation sees increase over Christmas break

The end of 2025 saw crowds at Sylvan Hill and other recreation parks, according to county officials, who say it was a busy holiday season.

Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director Jamie Polley gave an update to Wausau’s Parks and Recreation Committee on Monday.

“We were fully open for all of Christmas break for the first time in a few years,” said Polley, adding that there were some growing pains, too.

“It was so busy this year that we had lines almost every day during Christmas break,” Polley said. “A lot of positive comments, but a few negatives of having to wait in line and not everyone got to keep their tube.”

Polley suggests that they may continue to stay open for the holidays in the future.

“There might be some a little bit of changes in our operation,” Polley said. “Whether we cap the number of people and have hour slots so people can come and then we can get new people in. We have to talk about how we get a lot of people through so we don’t have long lines and waiting.”

Winter recreation activities are open around Marathon County.

According to the county’s annual fall and winter recreation guide, Wausau sledding hills open as soon as there’s enough snow on the ground.

The city has also opened three outdoor ice skating rinks, and the Nine Mile Forest Recreation Area is offering snowshoeing, skiing, and winter biking.

With ice making its way into the area, be sure to check out weather and trail conditions and watch for closures before heading out. 

For information on hours, permits, and admission, visit the Marathon County 2025-26 fall and winter recreation guide.